Rick Riordan Biography: Net Worth, Age, Wife, Books, Movies, Height, Children

Richard Russell Riordan Jr., known professionally as Rick Riordan, is an American author celebrated for his bestselling young adult fantasy series, particularly Percy Jackson & the Olympians, which introduced millions to Greek mythology through the adventures of a modern demigod.

A former middle school teacher, Riordan’s engaging storytelling, inspired by his son’s love for myths, has led to over 190 million books sold worldwide, spawning films, a Disney+ series, and spin-offs like The Heroes of Olympus and Magnus Chase.

His work blends humor, adventure, and inclusivity, earning him accolades as a leading voice in children’s literature.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard Russell Riordan Jr.
• Stage Name: Rick Riordan
• Born: 5 June 1964
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Author
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Richard Russell Riordan Sr. and Lyn Belisle
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Becky Riordan (m. 1985)
• Children: Haley Riordan, Patrick Riordan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $35 million

Early Life and Education

Richard Russell Riordan Jr. was born on June 5, 1964, in San Antonio, Texas, to Richard Russell Riordan Sr., a ceramicist, and Lyn Belisle, an artist and educator.

Details about his siblings are not publicly known.

Growing up in a creative household, Riordan developed a love for storytelling, devouring mythology books and writing short stories as a teen.

He attended Alamo Heights High School, where he edited the school newspaper, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by teaching certification from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

His ethnicity is American of European descent, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Rick Riordan began his career as a middle school English and history teacher in Texas and California, a role that shaped his understanding of young readers.

In the mid-1990s, he published his first novel, Big Red Tequila, a hard-boiled mystery in the Tres Navarre series, which won the Shamus and Anthony Awards for its debut.

Inspired by his son Haley’s ADHD and dyslexia diagnoses, Riordan crafted bedtime stories about a demigod named Percy Jackson, leading to The Lightning Thief in 2005.

The book’s success sparked the five-book Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, blending Greek mythology with modern adventure, selling millions and earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Riordan expanded his mythological universe with spin-offs like The Heroes of Olympus, The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian mythology), and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (Norse mythology), each praised for diverse representation and accessibility for neurodivergent readers.

His Trials of Apollo series and standalone novels like Daughter of the Deep further showcased his versatility.

He founded Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint to amplify underrepresented voices in mythology-based stories, with hits like Aru Shah by Roshani Chokshi.

His works have been adapted into two Percy Jackson films (2010, 2013) and a critically acclaimed Disney+ series (2023–present), which he co-wrote and executive-produced.

Riordan’s influence continues to grow through his active engagement with fans via his blog and social media, where he shares updates on adaptations and advocates for inclusivity in publishing.

His recent contributions include co-authoring The Sun and the Star (2023), a Nico di Angelo-focused Percy Jackson spin-off, and overseeing the ongoing Disney+ series.

His commitment to education persists through school visits and literacy initiatives, cementing his legacy as a storyteller who bridges ancient myths with modern values, inspiring readers globally.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rickriordan
• Facebook Handle: Rick Riordan
• Twitter Handle: @rickriordan

Personal Life

Rick Riordan, married Becky Riordan in 1985, whom he met while both were students at the University of Texas at Austin.

The couple has two sons, Haley and Patrick, and relocated from San Antonio to Boston in 2013 for family reasons.

Net Worth

Rick Riordan, has an estimated net worth of $35 million.

His income sources include book sales, with some years earning around $11 to $13 million, plus revenues from two feature films based on his books, which grossed over $400 million worldwide.

Additionally, a Disney+ series adaptation of the Percy Jackson novels is expected to contribute further income, with Riordan acting as an executive producer.